More Miles in Winter.

Close the Workshop?

[Photo: Terry Fox Pathway, Nov. 16, 2016]

According to my records, I walk and run more miles during winter months. Reasons vary. The workshop is open from spring to fall, my motorcycle is in storage from November to April, and if I didn't walk about 1,000 miles from January to March every year I'd weigh 200 pounds.

Yes, I love hot turkey sandwiches that much!

So, in summer, what with numerous pleasant distractions (e.g., my Yamaha starts up first time, every time, when it's warm out), my weekly mileage related to The GREAT Canadian Comeback may fall.

 After  a lazy Sunday I had two good runs

 Muskoka holiday (Aug. 7 - 11) didn't include running on Highway 141

Weekly mileage is dropping. Wait 'til November!

That being said, I run more frequently during summer months and - gotta say - I'll likely have a pretty smooth, strong stride by October, a month in which I plan to run two races at top speed*.

Sure, I could close The Workshop and have more hours in the day for running, but I can't see that happening for another ten years.

* To observers I'll look like Average Joe at the finish line. But, after a 12-year hiatus from races, any steady pace for 10K will feel pretty darn good. 

Photos from along the way:

 Heading north through Harris Park to my Baldwin Flats 'turn around'

 What comes after a 10K road race? A halfer?

Please link to Where Did July Go?

Photos GH

Where Did July Go?

My last entry was made on Friday, June 30, about 32 days and 100 miles ago. The month of July passed quickly and very busily, as far as I can recall.

Though my records show the month ended with 4 runs in a row, I also finished the month with the lowest number of miles (96.25) since September, 2016, the month my wife and I travelled to Prince Edward Island.

I finished the month with a good week, 27.5 miles in all.

This year I attribute the low mileage to the busy-ness inside my woodworking shop. On a positive note, 13 runs during 23 'fun and fitness' days is the highest number in any month since I started The GREAT Canadian Comeback. So, progress was made. And we will see what August will bring, another busy travel and workshop month.

Photos from along the way:

 My 10-week average dipped below 23 miles, lowest on record.

Last night's run was smooth and steady.

There are two road race events in London during October, and I think I'll be ready for both a 5 km. and 10 km. event. Finally, I may collect new T-shirts the old-fashioned way.

Please link to Four 5-Milers in a Row.

Photos GH

Four 5-Milers in a Row.

The Guy is Running!

Photo: "And I'm heading toward Baldwin Flats.... slowly."

I don't know why I keep heading north toward Gibbons Park and Baldwin Flats during my evening walks and runs. Because my personality is affected by magnetic fields? Because - in the first mile - Wortley Rd. heads downhill toward Harris Park?

Not sure. But, I am sure I like the scenery and I know whereabouts to turn around if I'm aiming to complete a 4, or 4.5, or 5-mile long walk/run. Maybe, with me, "familiarity breeds content." : )

Familiar charts and scenes:

 On June 26 I covered 5 miles, with lots of running involved.

 Last night I travelled 5.25 miles on Terry Fox Pathway. Smooth!

 My 5-mile turnabout on Baldwin Flats is in sight of Middlesex College.

 Still on Baldwin Flats, looking toward home.

 Approaching Blackfriars Bridge.

From York Street bridge, near Stanley.

I have completed 8 outings that include some running in June, so far. (Note the wee heart in my diagrams). I am not putting any pressure on myself to run faster or farther, but I do notice my running style is becoming a bit smoother as I go along, and I'm definitely feeling faster and stronger.... at times.  

Easy does it, I say. If I stay within my limits, my limits will grow (with regular fun and fitness runs).

There may even be a 10-km. race in my future. I'm running low on T-shirts.

More miles to follow.

Please link to Easy (Wet, Dry, Etc.) 3-Miler.

Easy (Wet, Dry, Etc.) 3-Miler.

Dry, Wet, Dry Wet, Dry.

I stuck my head out the door several times yesterday and it was never the same weather twice.

When I found time for a 3-mile walk it was initially under a dry sky.

By the time I'd walked five minutes and arrived at Wortley and Bruce, it was wet. Dry at York Street. Wet at Dundas and Richmond. Dry at Wellington and Horton. Wet, then dry, at the Ridout Street bridge.

I finished the week with 28 miles of walking, running, walking, running, and walking in dry, wet, and dry conditions.

And next week looks about the same according to The Weather Network.

Please link to A Good Week for Half 'n' Half.

Photos GH

A Good Week for Half 'n' Half.

The Out Back.

[Photo: About to leave Harris Park]

For the last 65 walks, I've been putting no pressure on myself to become Canada's next Olympic marathoner. During the last week, even though I've completed three run/walks, I've walked when I've wanted, run when I've wanted, stopped for photos when I've wanted and pushed harder when I've wanted. 

Good runs on Sunday and Monday. Easy walk on Tuesday.

Good run on Wednesday. Good walk [NP65*] last night.

And already the running sections feel easier and I look forward to developing a smoother, stronger style during the summer months.... at my own pace.

London is home to many good walking, running and cycling routes and I tend to use certain paths frequently (e.g., through Harris Park to Gibbons and Baldwin Flats, or the Terry Fox Pathway), because I am familiar with the distance markers, some erected by the City of London, and some my own. 

Knowing when and where to turn around and head home allows for a high amount of predictability re the walk/run. If you see me racing by (Correction: "plodding along"), I am either heading out or heading back, often lost in thought or snapping a photo.

Photos from along the way:

 Heading back, returning via Harris Park.

 Lost and found: One scared, huggable Teddy.

Almost home.

*NP = "no pressure"

Please link to Half and Half Run.

Photos GH

Half and Half Run.

Being a Slow Poke.

I started 'shuffles' or slow runs in early spring last year. Completed over 60 of them in 2016 and developed a smooth, satisfying running style.

This year, not so early.

That being said, I think I have found a smooth, satisfying way to develop my running style again. I walk to the halfway point of well-used loops (e.g., in Gibbons Park or Terry Fox Pathway), then turn around and try to jog most of the way home.

Photos from along the way:

I'm easy to spot. Average-size slow poke in baggy shorts!

Please link to Colour, Wherever I Can Get It.

Photos GH

Colour, Wherever I Can Get It.

Pleasant Tony, way ahead by now, enters the park.

I provide the colour commentary for my evening walks.

"And here we are entering Harris Park. On your right are lovely boulders leading toward Queen...."

"Hi, Gord."

"Hiya, Tony. You're lookin' good. Keep up the good work."

"See ya."

"See ya."

"....Back to the boulders. Tony is now heading through Harris Park, home to hundreds of well-fed geeses. Food on the wing, enough for the next 1,000 years. Would I eat goose? I'd give it a try. Can't say no to goose and roast potatoes."

Photos From Along the Way:

What are the odds I walk the beach at Port Bruce today?

Please link to Great Nights for Walkn.

Photos GH